Expanded battlefield lay-out and record numbers of Wars of the Roses re-enactors boost this year’s Barnet Medieval Festival

Barnet Medieval Festival welcomed a record turnout of over 600 medieval military re-enactors who opened the two-day event – being held over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday June 6 and 7 – with a re-enactment of the Second Battle of St Albans.

Wars of the Roses enthusiasts and supporters have filled farmland off Galley Lane with tents and encampments entertaining crowds of visitors with a wide range of displays.

Now in its seventh year, the festival – over the two days of the weekend – is bigger than ever with an expanded lay-out and a much larger arena for battlefield events at the Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm.  

After the St Albans re-enactment, Councillor Parveen Rani, Mayor of Hertsmere joined the King Henry VI and Queen Margaret of Anjou to celebrate the Lancastrians’ victory over the Yorkists.

Councillor Rani (see above, far right) met re-enactors, including men from the Harrington Company, expressing her delight at meeting so many enthusiasts determined to relive and explain the Wars of the Roses.

“This is my first visit to the medieval festival, and it is so impressive,” said Councillor Rani.

“It is a great credit to the organisers that it has become such an important event, attracting medieval re-enactors from all over the country.”

Despite wind and rain forcing the cancellation of some events on Saturday, especially those for children, the battlefield arena was packed for a display of medieval firepower.

A long line up of 15^th-century artillery, including handguns and canon, provided an impressive display of synchronised firing.

Visitors were welcomed with medieval music from the Merrie Noyse who stationed themselves beside the main refreshment marquee, appropriately named the Royal Feast Pavilion.

A plentiful supply of food, drink and ice creams was on offer, organised by Lewis of London and Ozzi’s Burrito Shack from Barnet High Street.

Daniel Lewis – seen above with his wife Fiona and assistant Holy Cornwell – said he was delighted Fold Farm (home of Lewis of London Ice Cream) was able to host the medieval festival for the second year running.

Dr Susan Skedd, festival director, met Councillor Rani and her escort Ansh Kumar on their arrival.

She said she hoped the weather would be better on Sunday.

There would be a full programme with re-enactments of the Second Battle of St Albans and the Battle of Barnet.

Other events will include a mock battle for children and a fancy dress and period costume competition for the under 12s.

Prizes will be awarded for the most historical and creative costumes.

Once again there is free parking onsite in Galley Lane, including disabled parking and taxi drop-off and a free shuttle bus running regularly from behind The Spires shopping centre in Stapylton Road.

Full information: www.barnetmedievalfestival.org